Abstract

Background/Aims: Limited joint mobility is a form of musculoskeletal complication affecting system well described in young diabetics (DM). Its prevalence in the elderly DM is not extensively investigated. Identifying LJM by simple clinical examination is likely to help as a screening tool for further assessment of other complications of DM in the geriatric population who are at a higher risk of co-morbidities. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether presence of diabetes increase the risk of LJM in the elderly subjects.

Methods: A total of 88 subjects aged >70 years were prospectively assessed at the Townsville Hospital diabetes and gerontology departments. Of this number 47 were diabetics while 42 non-DM subjects served as control group. Clinical prayer sign examination and quantitative goniometric assessment of DM and non-DM controls were done.

Conclusion: We report high prevalence of LJM in the elderly. The musculoskeletal complication correlates with occurrence of DM eye disease. Further prospective studies are required to confirm our findings.